LOWELL, MA – William D. Kanavas, 95, a longtime resident of the Belvidere section of Lowell, passed away at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Katherine (Siotas) Kanavas and loving father of the late James P. Kanavas.

Bill was born in the village of Lefkopigi near Kozani in Greece on October 15, 1926. He was raised there and immigrated to the United States in 1950.

He settled in Lowell, MA and raised his family in the Acre section of the city, moving Belvidere in 1991.

Bill initially found work in Lowell’s mills before gaining employment in the Mass Highway Department. Eventually he transferred into the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office where he worked in the Maintenance Department for over two decades, retiring in 1990.

Bill was proud of his Greek heritage and celebrated his Name Day every New Year’s Day. He was also very proud to be an American citizen, starting every meal with a simple, “God Bless America.”

In his free time, he enjoyed visiting with friends at the local Kafenio (Greek coffee house). He was always ready to help any friend or family member in need of assistance. Bill was always ready to get dressed, grab his tools, and be on his way to help.

William is survived by his daughters, Susan Kanavas and Sally Regan and her husband John, all of Lowell; three grandchildren, Paul, William and his wife Chelsea, and Ashley; and three great grandchildren, Demitri, Hadley and Layla. He also leaves several nieces and nephews, all of which he loved very much.

In addition to his wife Katherine and son James, William was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Nancy (Macero) Kanavas; brothers John, Kosta and Anastasios Kanavas, and his closest friend, Tilemahos Litopoulos.

William’s family would like to thank the medical professionals that helped him over the years, especially the staff at Life Care of Merrimack Valley in Billerica.

His Funeral was held on Thursday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 44 Princeton Blvd, Lowell, and his interment was at Lowell Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in William’s name may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church or to Life Care of Merrimack Valley, 80 Boston Rd., Billerica, MA 01862.